hi all,

i was wondering what your techniques are in getting street images of people? this is an area that I would love to be able to do but at a point, intimidates me.

any techniques, ideas?

thank you and all the best,

Paul

It depends really... in rural places it's much easier to walk up to people and ask them politely if you can take their picture and most of the time I'm rewarded. Rural folk also seem to relish the attention lavished on them with our big DSLRs.

In the city, it's quite different and people are more defensive about getting their picture taken. A big DSLR with big white glass is a disadvantage because people shy away or the resulting picture tends to look posed which defeats the purpose if street photography is your thing. For those cases, I used to carry a 50mm prime which makes the camera look less menacing. Otherwise, I had to resort to paparazzi tactics hiding in my car with a long white lens just to get something more natural looking.

have to agree with dave. its quite a breeze shooting in rural places than in the metro. what i usually do is to pretend to shoot at something (horizon, sunset, lam post... anything!!) and people would get comfortable with me in the area. once they get back to their activities i start shooting paparazzi style :) good thing our long guns are not colored white! hehehe

thanks for the replies guys. paparazzi really does come to mind when shooting in these areas.

homeless people can make good human interest stories but safety comes to mind.

all the best,

Paul

homeless people can make good human interest stories but safety comes to mind.

very much so. our club recently had an old manila tour (last weekend). we were in the middle of quiapo. it was such a blast! a lot of stories to dig into.

thats one street photography haven if there such one:Grin:

i guess the best way to go is on a safari with other photographers as back up. he he.

hahaha you got that right!!

there are times that i would to shoot alone... but having other photogs byt your side is also a blast! hehe

Let me ask a question, do any of you guys have a point and shoot that you dedicate mainly to street photography? I believe people get conscious when they see some black camera staring right at them.

i know of a friend who carries both. i was thinking of doing the same. however, sometimes the point and shoot gets to be a bit limited.

i find that when there is an event or if im with a group of photographers, its easier to shoot street.

just my thoughts.

i was thinking more of how you would approach someone to shoot their photos. i sometimes get intimidated doing so. its weird because normally in my career, i talk to complete strangers but with photography, it limits me.

any thoughts?

i tried that before (still do - sometimes). i get to talk to the people i want to shoot and end up chit-chatting with them 90% of the time.. and the remaining 10% is for the actual shoot. i guess its all worth it since they become more comfortable with my cam after awhile.

but for the past couple of months i find myself doing paparazzi mode:Grin: .

i think the best skill to acquire for you to be good at street photography is to become "invisible"... just my thoughts

hi paul,

i guess it's going to come in due time. i'm a shy guy myself but photography has helped me overcome it bit by bit.

it's no different from approaching a crush of yours for the first time. you get all freakin' nervous but you gotta do what you gotta do.

as for candid shots, you will need longer lens if you want to shoot without using a point and shoot. in this instance, what you want to do is capture a moment. ask permission, and all that goes away. in lieu of longer lenses, a bit of courage to just aim, shoot and explain later :)

wow raul, what an insight. the candid shots are "nakaw tingin" he he.

i guess its because we try to either capture beauty or desolation and make the images beautiful which is why I would get nervous.

Landscapes, no problems there, but a babe in a bikini, hmmmmm got to think thrice. when I do, the hands start to shake and the VR cant handle the motion.

a couple of beers later, im good to go. lol

anyone have the same experience or is it just me with the "shutter shakes"?

do you say pa shoot? or shoot tayo? lol. the connotation is really negative. i got strange looks from people until they saw the camera.

how do you approach a group or individual?

thanks guys.

1. Dress up like a homeboy.
2. Be friendly with the people.
3. If you're going to spend time with a subject, ask his/her permission.
4. Thank them when you're done.

got it dys. homeboy..... hmmm.

got it dys. homeboy..... hmmm.

I mean, blend in somehow he he. :D

yep i agree with dys.... you have to really blend it so that you'll have a better chance having people to agree to take their photo... if you plab to shoot in quiapo... leave the bling-blings at home :Grin:

yep i agree with dys.... you have to really blend it so that you'll have a better chance having people to agree to take their photo... if you plab to shoot in quiapo... leave the bling-blings at home :Grin:

in quiapo, it's ok to shoot naman... you may want to inform the police station beside the church that you're going to take photos just so they can watch out for you... we did this before...

hmmm... the only people who are hard to shoot there are the "manghuhulas" since they refuse to be photographed. that's where you go into paparazzi mode... ;)

in quiapo, it's ok to shoot naman... you may want to inform the police station beside the church that you're going to take photos just so they can watch out for you... we did this before...

hmmm... the only people who are hard to shoot there are the "manghuhulas" since they refuse to be photographed. that's where you go into paparazzi mode... ;)

hmmm.. ploice station?? di kaya mas delikado yun? hehe :Grin:

seriously - its really ok to shoot in quiapo... you just have to be aware of where you are and to keep your stuff close to you.

regarding the fortune tellers (manghuhula).. i think ive captured one last week... :Grin:

Hi guys! :)
Just wondering, is there a usual method or protocol when taking people's pictures? I mean do you ask them to sign a release for if you sell or so something with the photo? TIA :)

Oh this is in public ofcouse :)

I once made the mistake of not asking permission before shooting a group of people outside the church in Forbes. It was a picture of drivers and vendors resting in the shade on a hot summer day. I tried 'paparazzi' mode which wasn't so successful. One of the vendors noticed and she started flipping her finger at me. Then she came over and asked what I was doing. It seemed she was paranoid about having her picture taken, maybe a run-in with the authorities before.
Someone's asked me to take pictures of a slum area. Any tips? If I only need to take pictures of the physical location (houses, etc.) would it be better to do it in 'paparazzi' mode?

PS - Is there a 'release form' thread somewhere? It would be useful for us newbies.

Oo, medyo mailap nga ang mga manghuhula sa Quiapo sa kamera. Takot yata silang mawala ang kapangyarihan kapag nakuhanan ng larawan.

Ganun din ang mga nagbebenta ng kandila at pitu-pito. Siguro dahil pinaalis na sila dati doon at may kasamang press coverage. Kaya ilang sila sa kamera.

Someone's asked me to take pictures of a slum area. Any tips? If I only need to take pictures of the physical location (houses, etc.) would it be better to do it in 'paparazzi' mode?



I think it would be better if you actually talk to the people there first. They might just freak out if you do it 'paparazzi' style. At least they'll be aware that you're only taking pictures of the physical location. :)

To be sucessful in street photography you need,

1. Focus,
2. Time and
3. Balls!

1. You need to have a concept in mind or an idea for a series of images, i.e. Squatters living alongside the railway track's, and stick to your plan and not deviate from it,

2. You need to put in some time scouting out the area, talk to people, spend several days walking round with your camera so that people become comfortable with your presence,

3. To produce sucessful, moving images you are going to have to get in people faces, your going to have to talk to strange people, deal with some difficult situations and go out of your comfort zone. So you need to have some balls and be a little brass necked (to use a British expression).

Just my view, for what its worth.

Mike

PS. I'll happily take anybody out to show them how I do it! I definitely don't blend in, large, fat, very white, bald headed Scotsmen tend to get noticed around the Philippines

@Mike

I'd be interested to go around with you one of these days. :) I definitely don't think I could do it on my own even if I wanted to. :Grin:

Shoot first, explain later......
Sometimes if you ask for permission before taking a photograph, it destroys the whole "story".. when they know that you are photographing them, it changes the whole scenario. Try to be as unobtrusive as possible.

I once made the mistake of not asking permission before shooting a group of people outside the church in Forbes. It was a picture of drivers and vendors resting in the shade on a hot summer day. I tried 'paparazzi' mode which wasn't so successful. One of the vendors noticed and she started flipping her finger at me. Then she came over and asked what I was doing. It seemed she was paranoid about having her picture taken, maybe a run-in with the authorities before.
.

Sometimes I ask permission, sometimes I don't. In those rare times I've asked I tell the group that I'm going to take their pix, once permission is obtained I leave them to be "themselves" again. Nandun lang ako pero parang anino. I shoot when they are not looking:)

Shoot first, explain later......
Sometimes if you ask for permission before taking a photograph, it destroys the whole "story".. when they know that you are photographing them, it changes the whole scenario. Try to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Good point but I guess depends on the situation also. If it's possible to be keep a low profile then that would be great but the gear usually attracts attention. :)

i noticed that if i have my cam with me and i'm wearing dark-colored clothing, people around me become wary. it's almost like you're carrying a gun especially when you have that lens hood on. it just sends the "wrong" message. sure, it looks kick ass (feeling pro), but you will eventually get your ass kicked if you stick to a somber number.

now, wear something bright and cheery and they'll think you're just a freakin' tourist.

of course, it's different when you're shooting an event. black is good because it makes you disappear and be non-descript.

bottomline here is that you want to blend. and every little detail helps.

Good point but I guess depends on the situation also. If it's possible to be keep a low profile then that would be great but the gear usually attracts attention. :)


I guess thats why I cant let go of my little lecia m6. :) it is perfect for street photography.

challenge sa street photographers is to use a 24mm lens fixed prime. or if no option.. use a 35mm or 50mm prime.... photojourn style... that way you really have to go upclose and personal....

mike.. pm me details.. id love to learn how a "white man" blends in with the locals here to shoot :D

I guess thats why I cant let go of my little lecia m6. :) it is perfect for street photography.

an m6?!? ahhhh!!! i want one!!!!! :Grin:

challenge sa street photographers is to use a 24mm lens fixed prime. or if no option.. use a 35mm or 50mm prime.... photojourn style... that way you really have to go upclose and personal....

mike.. pm me details.. id love to learn how a "white man" blends in with the locals here to shoot :D

I don't blend in!! I have to communicate with people, gain there confidence, visit an area regularly etc... Then I get what I want! And I'd never go in Paparazzi style because that will just get you a black eye when you piss somebody off.

I never take a picture is somebody say's no, and if I have taken a picture and they complain I delete it immediately.

To work the street effectively you have to be trusted.

It's hard, it can be emotionally draining but I love it!!

Mike

PS. Some images from my last walk around the town I live in.. http://www.pbase.com/mgd711/streetshooting

an m6?!? ahhhh!!! i want one!!!!! :Grin:

I'd prefer the digital M8............ Mahal!!!

Mike

I'd prefer the digital M8............ Mahal!!!

Mike

much better!!! both are expensive! :Grin:

To work the street effectively you have to be trusted.

It's hard, it can be emotionally draining but I love it!!


As Bob Capa has said, "If your photos are not good enough, you're not close enough." Hence, the need to be trusted (or brave...hehe). I had to get close to...errr...for these beauties. :Grin:

http://static.flickr.com/55/173255677_b0e48c262e.jpg

For me, it seemed easier to shoot strange people "and when I am alone". I enjoy it much better compared when I am with (shooting with) a group (at least not intimidated/distracted by their L lenses haha). It is when I am alone that I got to interact with them, make a connection, cultivates the trust and eventually erase the boundaries that separate me as the photographer from my subject.

For street photography, I use my Sony H1, a prosumer digicam. I set it to shutter priority most of the times, or manual if I have the luxury of time to set the settings. I prefer to have faster shutter speed and just adjust the brightness in post processing.

With regards to asking permission before you shoot your subjects,
I don't always do it, only when I shoot close to the subject because they may, or, will pose and act unnaturally, or sometimes move away from you. I use my cam's 12x optical zoom to capture my subject in their most natural mood and behavior and still keep my distance.

For safety here's what I've learned from doing street photography:
-Smile and talk to your subjects if necessary
-Don't act like it's your first time in the area
-Practice shooting closer to home, this will build your confidence in shooting on the streets
-Before taking out your camera from the bag, observe your environment and take note of what's good to shoot. Visualize.
-Better to have someone with you
-Dress down

Here's some helpful links about the topic:
http://www.danheller.com/tech-tourism.html#1
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/street.shtml

Hope that helps and perhaps you can join me in one of my street walks. http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/Smileys/default/cheesy.gif

By the way, here's my street photography gallery:

Street Life
http://russelcp.multiply.com/photos/album/8

is this considered street photography?

http://static.flickr.com/85/209822434_1c1f20fb8e_o.jpg

Shooting on the street with a DSLR might be a bit intimidating to your subjects and is an attraction to snatchers, holduppers and the like. A small P&S will be a good choice but for me I use my Nikon MF loaded with a B&W TriMax or delta iflord with fast primes 35 1.4 and 50 1,2 and a mid telephoto 135 2.8. These lenses are all very light and good performers specially for street photography and the looks are very old fashioned which will not ineterest the bad guys.

Shooting on the street with a DSLR might be a bit intimidating to your subjects and is an attraction to snatchers, holduppers and the like. A small P&S will be a good choice but for me I use my Nikon MF loaded with a B&W TriMax or delta iflord with fast primes 35 1.4 and 50 1,2 and a mid telephoto 135 2.8. These lenses are all very light and good performers specially for street photography and the looks are very old fashioned which will not ineterest the bad guys.
:) What you're using are Classics already Partner. Even with that stuff, they have to pry or chew that off my cold dead hands... Panalo yan combo mo.

PS: Sarap sana kung meron tayo EPSON RD1.:Grin:

Pre i read some write-up what they did, they put some tapes to make it look damaged and gaffer tapes on the logo. I once did a shoot sa riles ng train in Dapitan wow they were all over me some were trying to see if the pics are in the LCD but alas nothing for them to see sabi nila "ay luma na pala camera" ......pag ang dala mo chrome manual camera para kang photog sa Luneta so not much danger and besides pwede pang self defense pang hataw ;;;;;full metal jacket Lol

Pre i read some write-up what they did, they put some tapes to make it look damaged and gaffer tapes on the logo. I once did a shoot sa riles ng train in Dapitan wow they were all over me some were trying to see if the pics are in the LCD but alas nothing for them to see sabi nila "ay luma na pala camera" ......pag ang dala mo chrome manual camera para kang photog sa Luneta so not much danger and besides pwede pang self defense pang hataw ;;;;;full metal jacket Lol
:D he he... Which reminds me... Sometimes having a pro-body with you has really some advantages to it, even though it may attract alot of attention, both possitive and negative... Basically, it's a secret lethal weapon, "kahit nga siguro zombie pag sinakmal ka at hinataw mo nun maykalalagyan, sigurado double-dead:D " (just my humour)

To be sucessful in street photography you need,


3. Balls!





yep, i agree with you right there. whether you're using a discreet 50mm or a screaming L lens, it all boils down to your guts to take the picture.

but let's not forget that's there's a thin line separating bravery and stupidity. we all have to be at guard whether we're using a point-and-shoot or a 30D.

of course you could always "cheat" and "steal" pictures the easy way by using a telephoto haha http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/images/smilies/Drogar-Laugh%28DBG%29.gif! (but hey, sometimes you would really need to use a tele to capture those images that you can't with a standard zoom. i'm not talking about the your limits in terms of reach but in terms of capturing that image. sometimes you really can't get the image by going up close and making your presence known!)

but of course i'd prefer shooting up-close. http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/images/smilies/Drogar-Happy%28DBG%29.gif


Cheers!

John

im planning to go to Quiapo this Sunday with my cam any tips or advice that you guys could recomend or watch out for, this is my first time owning slr and first time goin out in the streets

check this thread:

http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=12131


or try searching for "buying in quiapo"



first time goin out in the streets

i'm sorry i have to ask, really? i think it'll be safer if you had company.

For me, it seemed easier to shoot strange people "and when I am alone". I enjoy it much better compared when I am with (shooting with) a group (at least not intimidated/distracted by their L lenses haha). It is when I am alone that I got to interact with them, make a connection, cultivates the trust and eventually erase the boundaries that separate me as the photographer from my subject.



i share the same sentiment sir. it's nice to be with a photowalk group but when you're out on the street and trying to capture life 'as is', a group is a dead giveaway. and it gives the peope an impression of being in a zoo, where they are fair game for us and our cameras. i once talked with a man on the streets of escolta who thought that these guys with big-a** cameras seemed to take delight in the plight of other people. after hearing that, i didn't have the heart to take his portrait.

and be careful in quiapo. if you can, go with a group. if you're ballsy and fast enough, you can go commando a little :)

I'm not sure if this is the right thread to post this subject but since you guys have been talking about street photography in general, let me share to you an entry I posted on my photoblog. If in case I posted on the wrong thread, just let me know and I'll be sure to delete this.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff93/fpsalaysay/DSC_7210.jpg

A friend of mine once asked me about my hobby, photography. Particularly when I'm in the street, taking photos of people -- people I don't know (example would be the picture above). S/he said (more or less tried to imply) that I exploit these people. They're doing something that's private (on the street??) to them, while I, take pictures of them and post them on my blog, gallery, or whatever, and I do this without due compensation on their part. Come to think of it. Maybe I do exploit them. Maybe I do some damage in posting their unguarded moments when one of you viewers get a laugh when I post something funny, when the picture I post is so thought provoking that you end up judging the subject in my photos. Ok. Maybe that is exploitation. Maybe s/he's right. But here's where the problem lies, and which I think is what I should've told him/her (I don't know why I didn't think of it that time).

If you are out in the public (know where I'm going to now?), you are seen by lots of people. You are observed, talked about, judged, and laughed at whether you like it or not. The only difference between the usual gossip queen and me, is that she tells everyone what she saw through her mouth, and I do it through my photos. Comparing me to that, I think I do better in what I'm doing. I merely show you what I saw and I leave the judgement up to the viewers; while she can alter/exaggerate stories. I am not entirely convinced that I exploit these people. If you still think I do, then I believe I still do more good than I do them bad. It's cliche to say so but a picture really does tell a thousand stories. It is through these stories that we see where we learn lessons; lessons that we need in life. Stories that we don't have to experience anymore because we've learned. I'm not a moralist or anything close to that, I'm a practical person. In this case, I see myself touching others more than exploiting the said subject; that for me is good enough to keep doing what I like to do. I forgot who said this but it he said something like, "A good photo is like a good joke. If you have to explain it, it just isn't that good."

There are no right or wrong angles in street photography. There are no lighting set-ups and no models that you can ask to pose for your intentions. Street photography is a straight-forward subject matter that deals with what you see at that moment. It's all in the timing. If you think my street photos lie, then that wasn't a street photo -- a photoshoot. There are times when you take a picture of someone that's just so moving. It's so moving that you want to walk to the subject and ask about him or her. Some actually do that, and I think it's good to have some sort of connection with your subject. I haven't yet, but I sure would love to to ask and get to know on a moderate level the subject in my photo. In time I will, but not now. Right now, I am content with the stories that my silent photos tell me; stories that only I have in my mind, ones that are better off not being asked about or heard of; stories that I only infer with what I see through my eyes.

It'd be nice to hear your ideas. Cheers!

yep, i agree with you right there. whether you're using a discreet 50mm or a screaming L lens, it all boils down to your guts to take the picture.

but let's not forget that's there's a thin line separating bravery and stupidity. we all have to be at guard whether we're using a point-and-shoot or a 30D.

of course you could always "cheat" and "steal" pictures the easy way by using a telephoto haha http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/images/smilies/Drogar-Laugh%28DBG%29.gif! (but hey, sometimes you would really need to use a tele to capture those images that you can't with a standard zoom. i'm not talking about the your limits in terms of reach but in terms of capturing that image. sometimes you really can't get the image by going up close and making your presence known!)

but of course i'd prefer shooting up-close. http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/images/smilies/Drogar-Happy%28DBG%29.gif


Cheers!

John

Like the people you shoot and let them know it. - Robert Capa

If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough. - Robert Capa

Having to shoot with a zoom, or having a white bazooka lens mounted on your DSLR is not street photography... i prefer calling it as paparrazi shooting... street photography is more than just taking a picture or a moment.. its how you are involved in the scene and capturing those pictures where YOU, yourself is in.. thats how documenting your life is.. if you shoot with a 200mm lens, you are documenting somebody else's life not yours...

if you missed a great moment, you missed it. thats the game. if you cant shoot it, why force it?